Wednesday, December 30, 2015

As part of the 2016 Budget-passed by City Council on October 28, 2015-the City of Chicago is offering a Debt Relief Program to individuals and businesses that owe eligible debt to the City. The Debt Relief Program provides individuals and businesses the opportunity to resolve outstanding debt and avoid further costs and collection activity.

When is the Debt Relief Program?

The program will be offered from November 15, 2015 through December 31, 2015.

Which tax debt is eligible for the Debt Relief Program?

Unregistered Taxpayer or Unregistered Tax Collector Debt: Tax liability for tax periods prior to January 1, 2012, for any taxpayer or tax collector who is not currently registered with the City of Chicago for the tax.

Final Tax Assessment Debt: Tax assessments issued prior to January 1, 2012, where the taxpayer failed to respond to the Department of Finance's findings that taxes were owed.

Real Property Transfer Tax Debt: Real property transfers that took place prior to January 1, 2012.

What is the benefit of participation?

Interest and penalties will be waived for tax periods prior to January 1, 2012 for eligible debts which are paid in full during the Debt Relief period.

Purpose. Mission. Resilience. Re-vitalization. Preparedness. No one should argue that our community needs re-vitalizing, it's obvious to all. That will only happen when the neighbors get about the business of making it happen. No outsider can do that for us, only we can. A strong sense of purpose is needed.

The community fails because many are lost. Leadership, therefore is the answer. Those with strong experience and education must show the others the way. The knowledge and the spirit reside in the community, but must be multiplied. The strongest senses of purpose must be taught & shared. Many allies and resources are more near than it would appear. Intention and purpose will ensure that the right pathways are found and the neighborhoods (villages) are restored to their highest levels of being. And everyone must learn their own individual purpose to fit into the greater good, under God.

And what about "civics", who decided that it should be taken out of schools? Peace and order ensure that we can learn and thrive. Our best interests are met when violence is at low ebb. We know that as a community and as a people we have known a better day. We only have but to prepare ourselves to regain our past greatness. This we can do. Nia, habari gani!

Johnson Publishing and Johnson products, tow examples of what can be. One of the toughest hurdles in our community is that of un-cooperativeness. But that's not always the case and when it is overcome then wonderful things happen. Once we begin to cooperate all kinds of resources show up from far and wide.

In 2016 let's try to grow collectively and pitch-in to prosperity. Think of neighborhood as an ecosystem needing cooperation to thrive. The key is cooperation, so when one end of business isn't up to par, do what's necessary to help get it up to par. Constructive in-put, education, persuasion and communication all helps getting there.

Ujamaa is what makes our annual Karamu (Dinner event) possible. It is a shared resource event, accomplished only through our will to cooperative with each other to make it happen. This is the spirit and tradition tht we must maintain.

Remember, it's critical to RSVP and all participating neighborhood groups are expected to include a prize of about $40 in value to the raffle. RSVP here or call 773-224-6222.

As we approach the end of 2015, I appreciate the opportunity to look back over the year and provide you with this "Year in Review" report. This report covers highlights of 2015, legislation passed during the 2015 session of the Illinois General Assembly and some of the programs and events sponsored by my office.

Inauguration of 99thGeneral Assembly and Committee Assignments

This year began with the inaugural activities for the 99th General Assembly.

As a member of the 99th General Assembly, I was appointed Chairman of the Illinois House Judiciary - Criminal Law Committee as well as a member of the following committees: Business and Occupational Licenses, Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum& Policies, Higher Education, Revenue & Finance and Transportation: Regulation & Roads.

Additionally, I was appointed as a member of the House Education Task Force; the task force is charged primarily with examining options for updating our state's education funding formula.

Legislation

The following bills either sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Sims were signed into law:

PA 99-0003 Provides that corporate authorities of cities and park districts may enter into leases.

PA 99-0005 Makes FY16 appropriations to the State Board of Education and specified retirement systems.

PA 99-0046 Prohibits the Illinois Liquor Control Commission from enforcing any trade practice policy or other rule that was not adopted in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

PA 99-0065 Extends the reporting deadline for the School Security and Standards Task Force.

PA 99-109 Provides that it is an affirmative defense to a charge of prostitution that the accused engaged in or performed prostitution as a result of being a victim of involuntary servitude or trafficking in persons as defined in the Code, or was a victim of trafficking as defined in the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000,

PA 99-134 Requires the creation of a state website for businesses considering relocating to or opening in Illinois.

PA 99-141 Requires health insurance coverage to include anesthetics and charges for people under age 19 who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder

PA 99-153 Adds data on pending denials, appeals, and redeterminations to the list of data the Departments must compile into a monthly report which shall be posted on each Department's website.

PA 99-154 Makes changes concerning: (i) the permit and exemption process for changes of ownership among related persons; (ii) an application to close a health care facility; and (iii) an application to discontinue a category of service.

PA 99-158 Creates the Equal Economic Opportunity Task Force. Sets forth the membership of the task force. The task force shall examine: (1) barriers to economic opportunity in economically depressed communities; (2) issues discouraging local investment and business development; (3) local community concerns; and (4) current economic conditions, and shall establish a comprehensive economic development policy for small, medium, and large businesses.

PA 99-189 Provides that a student enrolled in grade 7 or 8 may enroll in a course, where the student attends school, offered by the high school that the student would attend provided that the teacher holds a professional educator license endorsed for the grade level and content area of the course.

PA 99-199 Creates ISAC grants for people exonerated and released from prison to use at public universities for undergraduate, graduate or GED studies.

PA 99-221 In a provision concerning vacancies in the office of Representative in Congress, provides that the Governor shall issue a Writ of Election if the vacancy occurs more than 240 days (instead of 180 days) before the next general election.

PA 99-222 Mandates hospitals provide patients with an opportunity to designate a caregiver before leaving the hospital.

PA 99-234 A prosecution for armed robbery, home invasion, kidnapping, or aggravated kidnaping may be commenced within 10 years if it arises out of the same course of conduct and meets the criteria for a prosecution for criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

PA 99-257 Sets forth provisions concerning a single prime project operative through December 31, 2019; provides that for building construction projects with a total construction cost valued at $5,000,000 or less, the Capital Development Board shall not use the single prime procurement delivery method for more than 50% of the total number of projects bid for each fiscal year.

PA 99-283 It is an aggravating factor in sentencing for sexual assault against a victim with an intellectual disability, and the defendant holds a position of trust, authority, or supervision in relation to the victim.

PA 99-284 Adds the subjects of consumer debt, higher education student loans, and identity-theft security to the list of subjects that are required to be included in the financial literacy component of consumer education.

PA 99-322 Creates a Silver Alert system for missing adults with Alzheimer's, dementia or other cognitive impairments.

PA 99-352 This new law outlines the steps necessary regarding the investigation of officer-involved deaths that involve a law enforcement officer. The new law also authorizes the use and protocols for the use of Body Cameras. It further establishes minimum in-service training requirements, which a permanent police officer must satisfactorily complete every 3 years and complete annual updates and use of force training, which shall include scenario based training.

PA 99-358 Provides that beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year, scores of 3, 4, and 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement examinations shall be accepted for credit to satisfy degree requirements by all public institutions of higher education.

PA 99-373 Consumer reporting agencies shall implement a credit freeze without cost for active duty military personnel, rather than for active duty military personnel and veterans.

PA 99-374 Creates the Veterans' and Military Discount Program Act. Provides that the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall establish and administer a Veterans' and Military Discount Program that enables veterans and active duty military personnel to use the photo identification at participating merchants to receive discounts on goods and services.

PA 99-395 Creates the Military Prior Learning Assessment Task Force within the Board of Higher Education to study and make recommendations on how to best effectuate the recognition of military learning for academic credit.

PA 99-418 Establishes that the Equal Pay Act applies to all employers.

PA 99-426 Makes changes to the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act and sets out information on the task force associated with the Campus Security Enhancement Act of 2008.

PA 99-434 Provides that of the 2 years of social studies required of high school students, at least one semester must be civics, which shall help young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives.

PA 99-435 Allows various levels of local government to establish Juvenile Justice Councils.

PA 99-462 Provides that each State agency and public institution of higher education that manages professional service contracts shall adopt policies and implementation procedures for increasing the use of businesses owned by minorities, females, and persons with disabilities to not less than 20% of State contracts.

PA 99-471 An administrative determination of paternity that is not based on a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity may be challenged in court on the basis of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact, with the burden of proof upon the challenging party

PA 99-494 Extends the date on which the Commission on Policing Standards and Professionalism shall submit a report of its findings and legislative recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor to March 31, 2016.

Events

The current budget impasse has required the Illinois House to remain in continuous session throughout 2015. Despite the continuous session, my office has hosted and participated in numerous events on behalf of the outstanding people of the 34th District, including:

Welcoming President Obama to the District to create Illinois' newest National Monument at the Historic Pullman site.

Hosting Satellite Office hours throughout the District

Mother's Day Brunch

Visits with local elected officials

Various community meetings

Shred Day events

Community Open House

Senior Health Fair

Community Clean up events

Visits with Local Businesses

"Keep a Child Warm" Coat drive

Senior holiday gift giveaway

Holiday Party and Open House.

I remain humbled by the faith you continue to place in me as your State Representative, 2015 was filled with wonderful experiences as we have accomplished a great deal together, and with your help and friendship we will continue to achieve wonderful things in 2016 and beyond. I am wishing you and your family all the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Warmest regards,

Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

State Representative -34th District

January 1, will bring over 200 new laws impacting Illinois residents, to see an overview of new laws going into effect. For an overview of several new laws effective for 2016 addressing the quality of our schools, safety of our communities, stability of our state's economy, and health, welfare and quality of life for all Illinoisans, please see here.

Discovering DuSable Digitally is an outreach program designed by The DuSable Museum of African American History for Chicago Public School students, teachers and parents, which afford them the opportunity to explore African American history through the life and times of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable.

The DuSable Museum of African American History (DSM) has a special offer this holiday season. Take out a NEW membership at DuSable Museum and receive an additional year for FREE! Two Years for the Price of One!*

A DSM membership is a truly distinctive and meaningful gift that may be enjoyed year round. With a DSM Membership you receive: Free admission to the DuSable Museum, discounted tickets to Special DuSable Museum events, reciprocal museum benefits, and DuSable Museum store discounts.

Make this 2015 holiday season special by becoming a member of The DuSable Museum of African American History.

(*) New Senior, Individual, or Family Level Only. No Renewals. Promotion expires: January 31, 2016

Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15.

The DuSable Museum of African American History is proud to celebrate this national holiday with a full day of family- friendly activities for everyone. Our events are always popular with locals of the City of Chicago and with visitors from around the world. Help us celebrate this very special day that honors the work of Dr. King. Save the Date!

NOW OPEN, Freedom, Resistance, and the Journey Toward Equality -- One of our largest permanent installations ever highlighting a chronological interpretation of the African Diaspora around the world.

FREEDOM& RESISTANCE is dedicated to the thousands of unknown lives given in the name of freedom and equality. It has been designed to take visitors on a journey through the African American experience addressing several key periods throughout history that many visitors have come to anticipate being a permanent fixture within a culturally specific institution such as the DuSable Museum of African American History.

FREEDOM& RESISTANCE will prompt visitors to come face-to-face with American history illustrated by the use of 200 objects, artifacts and archival videos and images.

Discover the American Civil War Like Never Before! Civilwarinart.org makes nearly 130 works of art from seven Chicago cultural organizations accessible to teachers, parents, and students around the world. This website was developed by a team of museum and library professionals, historians, and teachers.

To learn more about this one-of-a-kind online tool, please visit Civilwarinart.org. The Civil War in Art: Teaching & Learning through Chicago Collections was funded and developed by the Terra Foundation for American Art in partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, DuSable Museum of African American History, and Newberry Library. Also, please see our lesson plans and curriculum developed from this exhibit, African Americans in the Civil War: Active Partners in the Fight for Liberation and Freedom. Students will learn to understand the significance of African Americans in the Civil War. Appropriate for Grade Levels: 9-12 high school, can be adapted to middle school.

Take advantage of all the DuSable Museum of African American History has to offer by becoming a part of our membership family Today! Your membership to the Museum, will help keep the legacy of education and enlightenment flourishing for generations to come.

Our mission is to collect, preserve and display artifacts and objects that promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans through exhibits, programs, and activities that illustrate African American history, culture and art. Invest in history by becoming a member of The DuSable Museum TODAY. Learn more by calling (773) 947-0600 ext 238, or join online at www.dusablemuseum.org. Stop by the DuSable Museum Gift Shop and make the purchase of a lifetime. Help our list grow; pass this on to a friend! Was this message forwarded to you? Visit www.dusablemuseum.org to subscribe and get history delivered directly to you!

We have two more days before we celebrate the 2016 season of new beginnings. Yep, this is what this time of year brings. As the old year exits, the new year arrives with new ideas, new thoughts, new directions, new relationships, new jobs, new homes, and new personal and professional opportunities; either through careful planning and execution or by unforeseen circumstances.

What will the new year bring to you in terms of positive changes and progressive movements? What plans have you made to ensure that 2016 is better than 2015? Have you even given grave consideration to what your life will look like 365 days from this January 1st? If not, what the heck are you doing? This is the traditional time when most people make the so-called New Year's Resolutions.

I've been planning my next year's objective for the last 3 months. I have to plan accordingly because, first, my company requires some early planning to align my business goals with the platform of potential corporate partners and supporters who do their fiscal year strategies the last quarter of the current year. I also have to make sure that I assemble a solid team who can assist in the development and presentation of MG Media's business model.

And finally, I have to look deep into myself and know that I'm mentally and emotionally equipped to deal with what the new year will bring. Because, again, even as you plan strategically, there still will be some unexpected occurrences that will always alter your plans.

The one word that I've adopted to measure my own growth over the last few years, is MATURITY. This word is very critical in your growth process. I love this word. It says so much about you when others express that you are so 'mature' or your 'maturity' level has really grown. It means that your attitude, your decision making and even your presence has a look of growth. And I know for a fact that I've grown tremendously over the last 2-3 years, professionally and personally.

Professionally, I've accepted that even my best executions will be judged harshly. The key is how will I acknowledge others opinions and maybe even their concerns for my organization, and look to make changes, if necessary. I also have to accept that my personal endeavors are under critical watch. I must, at most times, be very objective about how I present myself within the places where I live, work and play.

With that said, being my best self is tops on my agenda for not only the new year, but throughout the years ahead. I aspire for GREATNESS! I want to be someone who my peers and future generations can respect for helping to move our progressive movement forward. I truly want a monument built to my name or image.

I want the new ME to be a ME that can bring transformation and growth to everything or everyone I touch. If when, my established associates, as well as new friends enter and or leave my circle of influence, and I've not contributed added value to their lives, then I've failed at being a better ME for 2016. Until the next edition..... Peace and One Love.

I Write to Differ

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CELEBRITY TRAFFIC

BARDO walks the hood as he raps for his life. CLICK TO WATCH LATEST VIDEO!

Lyrical Rapper Brings Fresh Sound To Ukrainian Village Venue

On Wednesday, December 30, Chicago artist, BARDO, will perform live at The Empty Bottle, delivering his signature fresh flow and complex arrangements. Mashing classic soul, hip-hop funk, reggae, blues and neo-soul music genres, BARDO experiments with forms of music outside of traditional hip hop. Crooning in a smooth, baritone voice, he flawlessly fuses genres in the way The Roots and A Tribe Called Quest have before him.

BARDO, the enigmatic rapper, lyricist and producer, has his sights set on reaching the upper echelons of the music game. Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, and abroad in Japan, Italy and Spain, BARDO sees the world through a unique prism—something that's reflected in his music. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, BARDO understands that music is the universal language, and creating music is a gift.

The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western Avenue (Chicago). For tickets, call 773-276-3600 or go online: http://emptybottle.com. Doors open at 9:00 pm. BARDO hits the stage at 11:00 pm. Also performing is J.A. Grimms & Blacknight and Wesley Johnson. For view BARDO videos, visit: https://whereisbardo.com. - Leslie Gordon

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Illinois Rep. William Davis spreads joy

HEALTHY COMMUNITIESUChicago Employees Brighten Holidays

Sixty families will have a better holiday season this year thanks to hundreds of gifts from University of Chicago Medicine employees in 65 departments.

“Our employees are unbelievably generous and don't ask for anything in return,” said Sherry Iversen, manager of volunteer services, whose team manages the 16-year-old Adopt-a-Family program. “Our office is always stacked to the ceiling with wrapped gifts. We have to crawl over and around them to get to our desks.”

Each year, social workers meet with families of Comer Children’s Hospital patients in need to create “wish lists.” Many don’t expect to receive gifts and are delighted when they do, Iversen said.

This year, the Facilities Operations Department provided tablet computers, a 32-inch television, a stroller, gift cards and much more to three children and their mother. “This family got everything they dreamed of,”said Kristin Riffner, volunteerism coordinator.

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Dr. Gill

MOTIVATIONAL MOMENTWhat a Year it's Been?

Special Correspondent: Dr. Chandra Gill

Through it all, isn’t it remarkable that we’re (yet) still here to see another day? Another glorious year? Can you imagine what 2016 can look like with the added bonus of robust SUPPORT for our children? Well to begin, Blackademically Speaking, thanks you for your SUPPORT!

So to end (this message and our year together), we’re yet prepared for 2016 and the amazing SUPPORT we’re going to offer our youth, your children. Blackademically Speaking Enterprises is nowhere near the sideline when it comes to fighting for equitable and culturally relevant education for our children. We’re here to stay, looking to become a leading and empowering voice! Our plans for 2016 will prove magnanimous and invigorating. We have great things in store; we’re already in our lab developing innovative and exciting ways to educate our children, offering them much needed SUPPORT!

Sooooo, from our hearts to yours, we look forward to more partnerships and plenty success stories​. ​Hap​py, H​APPY New Year​ to each and every one of you! ​In Solidarity and with Love.

Bettie Jones the aunt of Jahmal Cole's wife was shot and killed the morning after Christmas: Police responded to an alleged domestic violence situation involving the LeGrier family that lived above Ms. Jones.

The threat in question was Quintonion LeGrier, "who was suffering "mental problems," according to his parents. He reportedly became aggressive against his father, Antonio LeGrier, and began threatening him with a baseball bat." Upon being requested by police to open her door, Jones and Quintonion were both fatally shot by one police officer.

I want to emphasize the threat - a man with a baseball bat, and the cause - the police officer felt threatened. "F---, no, no, no. I thought he was lunging at me with the [baseball] bat." Police officer who killed two people expressed.

Both LeGrier and Jones were shot not to protect the lives of the parties involved in the "domestic dispute", but that of the police officer called to diffuse the situation. Why was the police officer with his gun drawn close enough to LeGrier holding a baseball bat to feel threatened?

THIS IS NOT NEW, THIS IS NOT NEWS: We have been working for our communities and our youth as My Block My Hood My City for 2 years now, and it's events like these that fuel our cause to make Chicago a better place. More importantly My Block My Hood My City and our fellow activists around the city are there and working to create a positive narrative, and creates a call to action at an individual level - a movement of individuals.

We will continue to be involved in the discussion of police force and reform in our law enforcement department, but just as important is that, we don't want another generation to experience the violence and deficit of hope, currently so prevalent in our communities. - Jahmal Cole